ScottFentonBlog

Well in my quest to drop 15 pounds, run a half marathon, bike from Seattle to Portland, and complete a Sprint triathlon all this summer mind you, I figured I might want to start eating a little bit healthier? My plan you ask? my plan is simply to have a plan! Now I have been employing my new plan for only two weeks now, so do not wait for any book to be written on it. My ‘plan’ if you will has three phases, #1 Portion Size, #2 Planned Snacking, #3 Plenty of Water..this simple plan combined with what I consider moderate exercise (3 days a week avg) has provided me with renewed energy, as well as shedding close to 7 pounds!

#1 Portion Size; I cannot see myself ever on a ‘diet’ that simply forbids certain foods, just too much tasty food out there! However I can manage the quantity of food I consume, passing on seconds, eating slower, this way I still enjoy the taste of say 1-2 cookies without suffering the consequences of eating 2 dozen cookies, my wife and I like to share a burger at Red Robin for example….often eating out is where we tend to order too much food, so be intentional about it and do be afraid to ‘box it up’ for later

#2 Planned Snacking; For me the temptation to skip breakfast and grab a donut a Starbucks is just too easy, or how about that 2:3-3:00 hunger bell that always goes off? for me I was constantly in this rut of being hungry at strange times during the day, which would often result in a junk food fix. For me the solution has been first to make sure I eat a good breakfast, but also packing snack every morning that are healthy and can ‘carry me over’ until lunch/dinner. Fruit, almonds, peanut butter on crackers, are a lot better than the usual snickers or donut! I have a special snack bag that I make sure is always in the car…

#3 Plenty of Water; For many people this is a no brainer, but for me it has taken some work. I love coffee! and while nothing beats that ‘first cup’ in the am, I make myself start each day with a very tall glass of cold water first. Not only does is help wake me up, but it seems to make that cup of coffee taste even better! Our bodies just operate so much better when hydrated, I still struggle with this one, but I certainly have seen the benefits.

*PS…I should mention here that getting a solid 7 hours of sleep for me has never been a reality, but I have found that by cutting out my late night TV and reading more at night that I give my body the ‘permission’ that it needs to fall asleep quicker..I have been told that adequate sleep is essential to weight loss.